Evaluation of a new image reconstruction method for digital breast tomosynthesis: effects on the visibility of breast lesions and breast density.

Objective: To compare image quality and breast density of two reconstruction methods, the widely-used filtered-back projection (FBP) reconstruction and the iterative heuristic Bayesian inference reconstruction (Bayesian inference reconstruction plus the method of total variation applied, HBI).

Methods: Thirty-two clinical DBT data sets with malignant and benign findings, = 27 and 17, respectively, were reconstructed using FBP and HBI. Three experienced radiologists evaluated the images independently using a 5-point visual grading scale and classified breast density according to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging-Reporting And Data System Atlas, fifth edition.